Rape suspected on Chatham Street

The Norwalk Police Department is investigating the suspected rape of a 30-year-old Chatham Street woman early Saturday morning.

A Harkness Street resident reported being awakened about 3:40 a.m. by his neighbor who said there was a disturbance at her home, Officer Kenneth Stiert wrote in his report. No further details were available because Stiert's report was incomplete as of this morning.

"The detective bureau is still working on it," Capt. Eric Hipp said.

About 10 minutes after police received the complaint, Timothy M. Adkins, 24, of 28 Chatham St., was arrested on West Water Street during a traffic stop, Hipp said. Adkins was charged with driving under the influence and remains in the Huron County Jail on one count of rape.

"He refused to give a breath sample," Hipp said about the traffic stop.

It's unknown how far apart Adkins and the victim live on Chatham Street.

Police have forwarded a report to the Norwalk Law Director's office for the consideration of charges. Hipp said the initial rape charge could be amended once prosecutors file charges.

Assistant Law Director T. Douglas Clifford was unavailable for comment because he was reviewing the case this morning before press time.